TRENTON, NJ – The state Assembly has approved legislation that would forgive certain student loan debt in the event of a borrower’s death or total permanent disability.

“To expect a student’s family or other survivors to pay their college loan debt in the event of their death is cruel and unacceptable. We can do better than that,” said Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, D-16th, one of 32 sponsors of the bill.

The bill directs the state Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to forgive certain student loans in the event of a student borrower’s death or total and permanent disability and grant deferment for temporary total disability.

The bill applies to loans issued under the NJCLASS program - New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students – which helps cover college costs not already covered by other sources of grants, scholarships and loans. The program offers low-cost rates on supplemental loans to New Jersey residents attending an eligible in-state or out-of-state school, as well as out-of-state students attending a school in New Jersey.